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An instance of play becomes an intimation of apocalypse.
Its not just the loyalty oath that disturbs him.
Franz sees and detests whats happening around him.
Telling a historical tale this time around, Malick is more linear than usual in his filmmaking.
You wont find the delirious, extended montages ofKnight of Cupsor the galactic scope ofTree of Lifehere.
Actually, its probably more accurate to call these loose monologues, since Franz remains mostly quiet throughout.
But his very presence poses a question to these individuals about the problem of evil.
Which side are you on, and why?
he might as well be asking.
One might also argue, however, that the latter fact speaks to the importance of Jagerstatters story.
Maybe evil doesnt always announce itself.
Maybe it crawls in under cover of our aggressions, our suspicions, our weaknesses and comforts and fears.
Franz and Fanis dilemma is often conveyed through passages of farm work and mundane interaction.
Especially after Franzs imprisonment, hate poisons Fanis world.
As in much of Malicks recent output, movement often trumps dialogue.
A true act of resistance should crack our universe open.
